West Bloomfield Township’s transition to Badger water meters gives residents a way to monitor their water use and receive alerts about possible leaks.
Water Utilities Director Justin Taylor described the transition in an Oct. 19 C&G Newspapers report, warning that hidden leaks can cause unexpectedly high bills.
“A leak doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to go down in your basement and see standing water,” Taylor said.
Irrigation leaks, running toilets and stuck or leaking humidifier valves can increase consumption, he told the newspaper.
The township’s meter information packet explains how customers with newly installed meters can use EyeOnWater to view usage and set potential-leak alerts through a website or mobile app.
Customers should allow seven business days after installation before setting up an account, giving the Water Utilities Department time to connect the meter to its billing system. Registration requires the service or billing ZIP code and the account number shown on the water bill.
The township says the newer meters can register small flows that older meters may have missed. Plumbing leaks remain the property owner’s responsibility.
Residents needing help with the system can call the township’s billing division at (248) 451-4832.
The monitoring tools come as local water and sewer charges rise. According to the township’s 2026-27 rate notice, retail water rates increased 5.61% and sewer rates increased 4%, effective with July 1, 2026, meter readings.
The combined metered water and sewer charge rose from $146.86 to $154.13 per 1,000 cubic feet, an increase of 4.95%. A household’s bill also depends on how much water it uses.
Residents can reduce waste by checking toilet flappers, repairing dripping faucets and turning off taps when they are not needed, the professionals interviewed by C&G advised.
Eligible households struggling with bills may qualify for the Great Lakes Water Authority’s Water Residential Assistance Program. Assistance can include bill payments, past-due balances and minor plumbing repairs.
Oakland County residents can contact United Way for Southeastern Michigan at (248) 983-5656 or visit unitedwaysem.org.
